Stem cells can benefit mice with neurodegenerative disease

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

New experiments with human embryonic stem cells show that they can repair neurodegenerative disease in an animal model.
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have great potential for neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research now reveal that hESCs perform well in an animal model of neurodegenerative disease, raising hopes that the treatment could also work in humans.

They worked with a mouse model of lysosomal storage disease, a rare genetic disorder which researchers say is analogous to more common neurodegenerative disease. hESCs were implanted into these animals and further analysis showed that they migrated to damaged areas of the brain. More happened than just replacement of the damaged tissue - the cells altered local biochemistry in a therapeutic manner and also damped down inflammation that would otherwise lead to brain damage. There were also no side effects due to the animals rejecting the implanted cells. This is the first time that hESCs have been used in a degenerative disease in an animal model and have been shown to prolong life and preserve function. The study is an important step on the road to using stem cells to repair the human brain.

Source
Nature Medicine online 11th March 2007

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